Hartal was total and peaceful in Idukki distrct

The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Mullaperiyar Samara Samithy on Wednesday was total and peaceful in Idukki distrct. However, it evoked only partial response in neighbouring Kottayam and lukewarm response in the southern districts where life remained near-normal with most of the business establishments functioning as usual and vehicular services operating smoothly.

However, the Kerala and the Mahatma Gandhi universities had postponed their examinations and most of the schools enjoyed holiday. The hartal was called to press the demand for a new dam in place of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar dam.

In Idukki, buses, including those operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), kept off the road and shops and business establishments remained closed. But private vehicles could be seen operating sporadically. In the tourism centres of Munnar and Thekkady, many of the tourists had to remain indoors as most of the markets, hotels, and eateries were closed. The few taxis that moved into the tourist resorts from outside carrying tourists were not obstructed .

Meanwhile, the police also registered a case in connection with the recovery of a country-made bomb from near the venue of the public function held near the Kunnothuparamba panchayat office. The bomb had been found near the dais before the function began. Mr. Mohanan and SJD leader M.P. Veerendrakumar were among the leaders who addressed the gathering at the function. According to the police, the bomb had been recovered after it was found by the organisers of the function. The police later defused the bomb.